- Must-Have Gear Every UK Camper Should Pack
- Clever Packing and Setup Tricks for Stress-Free Camping
- Great Tips for Camping in the Rain, Wind, and Cold
- How to Camp Legally and Responsibly in the UK
- Fun and Practical Camping Tips for Families and Festival-Goers
- Easy and Safe Ways to Cook and Store Food Outdoors
- Leave No Trace: Eco-Friendly Camping Habits to Follow
- Conclusion
- FAQs
UK Camping Tips You Can Trust: Gear, Weather & Family Fun
- Must-Have Gear Every UK Camper Should Pack
- Clever Packing and Setup Tricks for Stress-Free Camping
- Great Tips for Camping in the Rain, Wind, and Cold
- How to Camp Legally and Responsibly in the UK
- Fun and Practical Camping Tips for Families and Festival-Goers
- Easy and Safe Ways to Cook and Store Food Outdoors
- Leave No Trace: Eco-Friendly Camping Habits to Follow
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Camping in the UK can be brilliant. One weekend you’re waking up by a quiet loch in Scotland, the next you’re singing along at a muddy festival in Somerset. The only catch? Our weather and countryside rules can surprise even seasoned campers. Practical camping tips can save you from soggy socks or cooking chaos. This guide shares smart, no-fuss advice to help you pack well, stay comfy, and enjoy the outdoors without stress.
Must-Have Gear Every UK Camper Should Pack
Good gear can turn a wet weekend into a brilliant trip. The UK’s weather is famously unpredictable, so think “prepared” rather than “packed to the brim.” These camping suggestions focus on the essential items you’ll actually use.
Tent that suits the forecast: A double-skin tent with a decent hydrostatic head rating (2,000–3,000mm) is a must. Go for aluminium poles if you’ll be facing wind, and check for decent ventilation to avoid condensation.
Sleeping kit: A three-season sleeping bag works for spring to autumn. Add a thermal liner if you feel the cold. Pair with an insulated mat or inflatable mattress. It stops heat escaping into the ground and makes sleep much comfier.
Camp furniture: Folding chairs and a lightweight table make cooking, eating, and relaxing far more comfortable. If space allows, a picnic blanket or hammock is a nice bonus.
Lighting: Head torches beat hand torches because they leave you free to cook, pitch, or nip to the loo. A small battery lantern is handy for evenings in the tent. Always pack spare batteries or a power bank.
Cooking gear: A simple gas stove, fuel canisters, a pan set, and a spork go a long way. Add a small chopping board, knife, and a heatproof mug for tea or coffee. Bring matches or a lighter sealed in a waterproof pouch.
Clothing layers: Waterproof jacket and trousers, sturdy boots, and a couple of warm mid-layers (fleece or merino) cover most conditions. Pack plenty of socks. Wet ones can ruin a trip faster than anything else.
Weather add-ons: Gloves and a warm hat for cool nights, sun hat and sunglasses for the rare but welcome sunny spells.
Food and water gear: A refillable water bottle, plus water purification tablets or a filter if you’ll be away from taps. Dry food like pasta, oats, or couscous is light and reliable.
First aid kit: Include plasters, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, antihistamines, and blister pads. Add insect repellent and sunscreen. Yes, even in Scotland.
Portable power: A high-capacity power bank is the minimum. For longer or off-grid trips, consider solar panels and portable power stations to keep phones, lights, and stoves running.
Toiletries and hygiene: Biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrush, loo roll, and rubbish bags.
Tools and repair kit: Multi-tool, duct tape and simple repair items for quick fixes.
Clever Packing and Setup Tricks for Stress-Free Camping
Packing well makes your trip smoother before you’ve even left home. A few smart camping techniques save space, cut faff, and keep you ready for whatever the UK throws at you.
Roll, don’t fold: Rolling clothes saves space and keeps creases down. Dry bags double up as compression sacks and weatherproof storage.
Group by use: Keep food, clothes, and cooking gear in separate bags so you’re not digging around every time you need something.
Spare bag for wet kit: A lightweight dry bag is ideal for stashing muddy boots or rain-soaked trousers until you can wash them.
Keep grab-and-go items at the top: Torch, power bank, loo roll, waterproof jacket, and snacks should be easy to reach.
Test the tent: Pitching at home once or twice saves stress later. You’ll know which pole goes where and whether you need extra pegs.
Site check before pitching: Clear stones, sticks, or sharp thorns. Face doors away from the wind. Pick slightly higher ground to avoid puddles.
Groundsheet or tarp: Laying one under your tent keeps the base dry and adds insulation. A second tarp makes a handy porch or shelter.
Smart pegging: Angle pegs at 45 degrees for strength. In soft soil, double up or weigh them with rocks.
Organise inside: Use a gear loft or hanging organiser for keys, phone, and torch. A small doormat outside the tent helps keep mud at bay.
Great Tips for Camping in the Rain, Wind, and Cold
When tent camping in UK, everyone eventually faces bad weather. A few dependable camping tips and tricks make the difference between a damp disaster and a trip you’ll laugh about later.
When it rains:
Pitch on well-drained, slightly raised ground, never in a dip.
Keep the flysheet taut so water runs off rather than pools.
Use a porch or tarp for a dry space to cook or change boots.
Store spare clothes and sleeping gear in dry bags. Put wet clothes straight into a separate bag so they don’t dampen everything else.
When it’s windy:
Pitch with the lowest side of your tent facing the wind.
Use all the guy lines, not just the corners. Tighten and check them often.
Carry a few stronger pegs. Y-shaped or screw pegs hold far better in soft ground.
Keep stoves and fires sheltered; windshields reduce fuel waste and prevent flare-ups.
When it’s cold:
Start layering before you feel chilly. Trapping warmth early is easier than warming up after.
Dry socks and a woolly hat work wonders for sleeping comfort.
Eat a warm meal in the evening. Your body heat rises when it’s fuelled.
A hot water bottle or even a metal bottle filled with hot water in your sleeping bag keeps your core warm for hours.
How to Camp Legally and Responsibly in the UK
When it comes to tips about camping, we can’t skip the rules set by laws and codes. The key is to check where you are and follow local guidance.
England & Wales
Private land: Wild camping isn’t generally allowed unless you have the landowner’s permission. The Countryside Code makes this clear.
Dartmoor: This is the one big exception. Thanks to a recent Supreme Court ruling, you’re free to pitch a small tent overnight in marked areas on Dartmoor common land. You still need to follow the local map and rules (no big groups, no vans, leave no trace).
National Parks: In places like the Lake District or Snowdonia, wild camping is only with permission. If in doubt, use official campsites.
Scotland
Access rights: The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives you much more freedom on lightweight wild camping. You can camp for a night or two almost anywhere that isn’t enclosed, as long as you’re responsible. That means small groups, short stays, and no trace left behind.
Byelaws: Some busy areas, such as parts of Loch Lomond, require a permit during spring and summer, so check before you go.
Northern Ireland
There’s no general right to wild camp. You’ll need landowner permission or to use a designated site.
Fires, stoves, and barbecues
Open fires and ad-hoc BBQs are a common cause of wildfires and are often banned. The Countryside Code says don’t light fires, and Scotland’s code urges stoves over flames, especially in dry spells.
Dogs, wildlife, and livestock
Keep dogs on a lead when needed. Between March and July, dogs must be on a lead on Open Access land to protect ground-nesting birds. Always use a lead near livestock too. It’s the law and helps keep both animals and dogs safe.
Parking, vehicles, and vans
Don’t assume you can sleep in your vehicle. Many places ban overnighting in cars or vans. For example, Dartmoor explicitly forbids overnight stays in vehicles. Use campsites instead.
Fun and Practical Camping Tips for Families and Festival-Goers
Going outdoors with kids or heading to a festival comes with its own quirks. Whether you’re tent or car camping, a little planning keeps the trip fun instead of stressful.
For families:
Make comfort a priority: A larger tent with separate “bedrooms” gives everyone space. Bring extra blankets and a play mat for younger children.
Pack familiar food and snacks: Kids are happier when they can tuck into something they already like.
Entertainment for downtime: A deck of cards, a frisbee, kids’ favourite toys, or a couple of books go a long way when the weather keeps you in the tent.
Plan toilet runs: Campsites may be a walk away from facilities, so keep a torch and loo roll handy for night-time trips.
For festival-goers:
Choose a sturdy tent: Festival fields can get muddy and windy, so avoid bargain pop-up tents that won’t last the weekend.
Mark your spot: Use a flag or colourful tape so you can find your tent easily in a sea of lookalikes.
Pack earplugs and a sleep mask: Music and chatter don’t stop at midnight, but you’ll thank yourself for a bit of rest.
Keep valuables light: Take only what you need and keep phones, cards, and cash in a small cross-body bag.
Stay powered:
One thing families and festival-goers always need more of is power. Everyone’s phones, lights, cameras, kids’ tablets, everything seems to run flat just when you need it. A small portable power station solves that headache without adding bulk.
The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station is a neat choice here. It’s lightweight but still strong enough (286Wh) to keep several devices charged over a weekend. You get 600W AC output, with X-Boost up to 1200W for the odd power-hungry moment.
If you find a mains socket at a café or campsite, it’ll recharge in about an hour, and it also takes up to 220W solar input so you can top it up in the sun. It’s quiet too, humming away at less than 30 decibels at night.
For longer trips, there’s the option to clip on an extra battery, boosting capacity to 858Wh without fiddly cables. It’s a simple way to keep everyone’s gadgets alive so the fun doesn’t stop when the batteries do.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station
Stay flexible:
For both groups, the golden rule is to stay flexible. Things won’t always run to plan, but a relaxed attitude and a sense of humour keep spirits high.
Easy and Safe Ways to Cook and Store Food Outdoors
Cooking outside is part of the camping adventure and fun. But keeping things safe, tasty, and simple is all about clever planning and gear.
Cooking safely:
Stove first: A camping gas stove is the most reliable way to cook. It works in most weather and is far safer than an open fire.
Portable BBQs and fire pits: Some campsites allow raised BBQs or fire pits. Always check the rules first and use them on a stand to protect the ground. Bring your own firewood and keep fires small and manageable.
Induction hobs and electric grills: If you’re on a campsite with hook-ups or using a portable power station, these are clean, quick, and safe alternatives. Induction hobs boil water fast and work well with flat pans, while small electric grills handle burgers, veggies, or toasties without fuss.
Meal options:
One-pot wonders: Meals like chilli, curry, pasta, or couscous are filling, quick, and only need one pan. Pre-chopped veg and spice sachets save time.
Breakfast basics: Porridge oats, cereal, or pre-made pancake mix are easy wins. Add fruit or honey for energy.
Snacks that travel well: Nuts, dried fruit, flapjacks, hard cheese, and jerky all survive a few days without fuss.
Storing food outdoors:
Cool boxes and ice packs: A hard cool box keeps things fresh for 2–3 days. Freeze meat, milk, or juice before you leave so they act as extra ice blocks.
Insulated bags: Handy for short trips or topping up supplies from a local shop.
Electric cool box or mini fridge: If you have space in the car, a portable power station can run a compact electric cool box or mini fridge. They’re perfect for longer, off-grid trips or festival weekends.
Shelf-stable backups: Tins of beans, tuna, chickpeas, and packets of instant noodles or couscous are always worth packing.
Seal and separate: Store raw meat separately, double-bagged, and at the bottom of the cooler to avoid leaks.
If you’re running a small camping fridge or want to power electric cooking gear, a bigger portable power supply makes life much easier. The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station is built for exactly that.
With a 2048Wh battery and 2400W AC output (boosting up to 3100W if needed), it has the muscle to keep a camping fridge running or power appliances like kettles and induction hobs. Recharging is quick, about 53 minutes to 80% from mains, or even faster if you combine mains with solar.
You can also expand it to 6kWh with extra batteries if you’re away longer. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly quiet and takes a high solar input, so you can lean on clean energy during the day. For campers, that means cold milk, safe leftovers, and hot food without juggling fuel canisters.
Water and hygiene:
Carry safe water: Bring bottles or collapsible water containers. If you’re off-grid, use purification tablets, a filter bottle, or boil water before drinking.
Keep it clean: Wash hands before meals, wipe utensils with biodegradable soap or wipes, and keep rubbish sealed to deter animals.
Plan your rubbish: Always take food scraps home. Even “biodegradable” waste like orange peel takes months to break down.
Leave No Trace: Eco-Friendly Camping Habits to Follow
Following Leave No Trace habits keeps green spaces healthy and enjoyable for everyone. A little forethought prevents lasting damage and makes future visits better for people and nature alike.
Take everything home: Rubbish, food scraps, and even biodegradable wipes. Nothing should be left behind.
Stick to paths and durable ground: Check site or landowner guidelines before you go and stick to marked trails and established pitches to avoid damaging plants.
Prefer stoves to open fires: Where fires are allowed, keep them tiny, use deadwood only and fully extinguish the fire before leaving.
Toileting outdoors: Use campsite facilities where possible. If not, bury waste at least 15cm deep and well away from water sources.
Respect wildlife: Observe from a distance, never feed animals and store food securely to avoid attracting them.
Minimise wash water impact: Use biodegradable soap and wash well away from streams, scattering greywater thinly over a wide area.
Be considerate: Keep noise low, control dogs, close gates and leave the spot as you found it (or cleaner).
Conclusion
Camping in the UK is full of rewards, from quiet starry nights to lively festival fields, but it works best when you’re prepared. With the right gear, a smart setup, and some tried-and-tested camping tips, you can handle rain, cold, or crowds without stress. Stay legal, respect the land, and leave no trace so others can enjoy it too. Whether you’re heading out with family, friends, or just a backpack, these simple habits make your trip safer, easier, and far more enjoyable.
FAQs
What are the 7 C’s of camping?
The “7 C’s of camping” are a simple way to remember good behaviour outdoors: Care, Caution, Courtesy, Cleanliness, Cooperation, Conservation, and Common Sense. They cover everything from looking after yourself and others, to respecting nature and leaving no mess behind.
In the UK, they fit neatly with the Countryside Code and Leave No Trace principles. Think of them as a checklist. Be safe, be tidy, be kind, and treat the land as if you were a guest. If you follow these seven points, you’ll enjoy your trip and keep the outdoors welcoming for everyone.
What is the golden rule of camping?
The golden rule of camping is simple: Leave No Trace. In other words, leave the place as you found it, or better. Take all litter home, use a stove instead of open fires where possible, stick to established pitches and routes, and respect wildlife. It also means thinking of other people: keep noise low, follow signs, and keep dogs under control.
The Countryside Code sums it up well: respect people, protect the environment, and enjoy the outdoors. A good test is this: when you pack up, would anyone know you were there? If the answer is no, you’ve done it right.
Is wild camping legal in the UK?
Wild camping rules vary across the UK. In England, it’s only allowed without permission on certain mapped areas of Dartmoor Commons, though you must follow the rules for backpack camping. Elsewhere in England, as well as in Wales and Northern Ireland, you’ll need landowner consent.
In Scotland, it’s legal under the country’s access rights, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, though some areas, like parts of Loch Lomond, require permits in summer. In May 2025, the Supreme Court confirmed the right to backpack-camp on Dartmoor, so it’s worth checking the latest maps before heading out.